📋 Tender Overview
Bridging the Health Gap aims to improve equitable access to quality primary health care for vulnerable populations in Zimbabwe by strengthening diagnostic services, non-communicable disease (NCD) care and service delivery for maternal, neonatal and mental health. The Single-Phase project supports the public sector in nine districts through a localisation approach aligned with Zimbabwe’s health strategy and SDC priorities. Partners include the City of Harare, Solidarmed and Hand in Hand Zimbabwe.
Country/region Topic Period Budget
Zimbabwe
Health
Primary health care
01.10.2025 - 30.09.2027
CHF 3’150’000
The project in brief
Background Zimbabwe’s health system is under severe train from economic crises, underfunding, and climate change, leaving rural and urban poor communities with limited access to quality care. Shortages of staff, medicines, and equipment drive high maternal and neonatal mortality, while rising NCDs and neglected mental health - such as widespread postpartum depression - add pressure. Weak governance further undermines accountability, highlighting the need for integrated, resilient, and well- governed services.
Objectives To strengthen equitable access to quality primary health care services for marginalised populations in Zimbabwe by enhancing diagnostic capacity, improving maternal, neonatal, mental health and NCD services, and building the institutional capabilities of the public sector.
Target groups Women, Children under five years, Adolescents and youth, People living with or at risk of NCDs, Low-income households and residents of high-density urban and remote rural communities, Local health workers and health managers,
Medium-term outcomes
Enhance diagnostic and emergency care capacity at PHC level through equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and training. (City of Harare, Solidarmed, Hand in Hand)
Improve maternal, neonatal, and mental health services through integrated service delivery, nutrition, and psychosocial support. (Hand in Hand)
Expand prevention, early detection, and management of NCDs among underserved populations. (Solidamed, Hand in Hand)
Strengthen governance and accountability at PHC and tertiary levels, piloting models for sustainability and scale-up. (Solidarmed, Hand in Hand)
Results Expected results:
120 PHC facilities equipped and upgraded with essential diagnostic and emergency care infrastructure (City of Harare, Solidamed, Hand in Hand).
300,000 people, including women and children, receive tailored maternal, neonatal, and mental health services with integrated nutrition and psychosocial support (Hand in Hand).
100,000 people reached through health education sessions related to prevention of NCDs
Results from previous phases:
15,000+ people accessed services via mobile clinics (antenatal, immunization, cancer screening).
2 district hospitals in Masvingo Province established functioning management committees/boards.
15 district supervis
